A Lakeside Reunion

Chilove (When the Smoke Clears) balances romance and family drama in this emotionally authentic contemporary love story. Chareese “Reese” Devlin returns to her family’s summer estate on the shores of Mount Dora, Fla., for her younger sister’s society debut at the Lakeside Debutante Ball, attended by all the most privileged Black families of the South. There, Reese discovers that her high school boyfriend, Duncan McNeal, has bought her family’s inn, the Hill House Bed and Breakfast, and plans to turn it into a center for underprivileged youth. Her parents, who disapproved of the relationship, want Reese to use her connection with Duncan to get him to change his mind and instead restore the inn to its former glory. As Reese rekindles her romance with Duncan and mentors his sister, Destiny, through her own debut season, she uncovers secrets about the history between the Devlin and McNeal families. The chemistry between Reese and Duncan is powerful, but will their relationship survive when Duncan learns of Reese’s family’s ulterior motives? Chilove captures complex family dynamics and evokes a strong sense of Southern culture, with special attention to the history of debutante balls. This sensitive romance is sure to please. Agent: Latoya C. Smith, ArtHouse Literary. (Apr.)